5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Created over hundreds of millions of years and uncovered by the highest tides in the world, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs are an iconic part of the Maritimes.

Photo Credit: Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Created over hundreds of millions of years, and uncovered by the highest tides in the world, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs are an iconic part of the Maritimes. Canada’s 15th UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Joggins, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Halifax, Nova Scotia and just over an hour’s drive from Moncton, New Brunswick.

Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Joggins Fossil Cliffs this summer:

1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Joggins Fossil Cliffs is Canada’s 15th UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic places in Nova Scotia. The cliffs were added to the list in July 2008, following 12 years of work by the Joggins Fossil Institute, local residents, scientists, and the government. Thanks to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, over 14 kilometres of sea cliffs, low bluffs, rock platforms, and the beach are now protected and preserved for generations to come.

2. Spot Fossils in the Cliff Walls

How many people can say that they have found a fossil? You can after visiting the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Twice a day, the Bay of Fundy comes rushing in and erodes the rock walk away, uncovering more history.

You can go on guided tours, and the guides at the cliffs know where the famous fossils are on the wall.

There are two guided beach tours you can choose from: The half-hour Wanderer’s Experience, with tours along easy terrain for all ages, and the 1½-hour moderate terrain tour called Explorer’s, which is recommended for ages ten and up.

However, you can find fossils on a self-guided walk along the walls and even on the rocky beach. You could even become famous if you find an amazing or groundbreaking discovery.

3. Learn About Western Nova Scotia

Photo Credit: Joggins Fossil Cliffs

While dinosaurs have the most impressive fossils, fossils that predate the first dinosaurs were found in the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Most fossils date back to the Carboniferous period or the Coal Age. Along with creating fossils, the vegetation remains also created coal that would shape Western Nova Scotia’s history.

You can learn all about this and more at the Joggins Fossil Centre, which features an extensive fossil specimen collection, exhibits, and displays.

4. Experience the Highest Tides in the World

The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world, but without seeing it, it is hard to truly know what that means. Twice a day, the tide comes in, and the 13-metre cliffs disappear from view for hours. The tide throws rocks and sand at the cliffs, eroding the sandstone away. The unique, slanted layers in the rock walls are formed due to millions of years of erosion from rushing tides.

25 Ways to Explore the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia

5. Walk on the Ocean Floor

Photo Credit: Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Along with uncovering the fossils in the sandstone cliffs, the Bay of Fundy’s high tides also means that you can walk on the ocean floor. You can actually climb down the staircase outside the museum to visit the black clay rocky beach. When the tide is at its lowest point, you can easily head out almost a kilometre from the cliffs.

More Things to Do Nearby:

Joggins Fossils Cliffs is located in Cumberland County, and there is plenty to do here, including the famous Cape Chignecto Provincial Park.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs – Trip Planning

What: The Joggins Fossil Cliffs, the UNESCO World Heritage site that is located at the very tip of the Bay of Fundy, is a unique place where you can see over 300 million years of history. Over time, the powerful tides have uncovered thousands of fossils in these iconic cliffs. During low tide, you can walk along the beach to see if you can find any fossils on the craggy cliff face.

There is also a cafe on-site and a gift shop showcasing wares from local artists & artisans.

Hours:

May 1 to October 19, 2025 — 10 am to 5 pm
Closed: September 30 (Truth and Reconciliation Day) and
Closed: October 13 (Thanksgiving)

Beach access is open year-round (stay away from cliff edges and be aware of the weather and tide times).

Cost:

Free, without tour and museum admission. There is no charge to access the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wanderer’s Experience: Adults: $12.50 + tax
Students & seniors: $11.50 + tax
Children 5 & under: free with adult accompaniment
Explorer’s Experience: $25/person + tax

Where: 100 Main Street, Joggins

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